Five reasons to visit your mechanic this spring

Delightfully, winter is officially gone for another year, meaning the warm weather and summer travel season is upon us Canadians and our families.

No matter what you and yours get around in, a quick visit to your favourite mechanic can provide affordable peace of mind that the family chariot is 100 per cent ready to tackle family travels with maximum safety, confidence and efficiency.

Here’s a look at five areas your mechanic can look into in a matter of minutes. If your ride passes each one, you’re well on your way to worry-free family trips this summer. After all, travelling with your family means you’ll probably have enough on your mind without worrying about the family car.

Maximum fuel efficiency: Given today’s stratospheric fuel prices, knowing your ride isn’t drinking excessively is a good thing — especially if you’ll be travelling in a vehicle that’s loaded full of people and gear. With a quick check of your air filter, ignition system, fuel system, tire pressures and alignment, your mechanic can spot any issues that could be making your ride drink more than its fair share. Consider a professional fuel-system cleaning service if your ride seems sluggish or excessively thirsty lately.

Check engine light: Got a “check engine” light lit up in the instrument cluster? Now’s the time to see why, because going on a long trip without having this built-in warning system addressed could be asking for trouble. A “check engine” light can illuminate for a wide range of reasons, from a loose gas cap to an improperly-functioning sensor which could reduce fuel efficiency, cause drivability issues, result in a no-start situation or even cause expensive damage. Thankfully, your mechanic can quickly and affordably determine why the light is on so that corrective action can be taken.

Fresh fluids: Your vehicle is full of specialty fluids with different jobs all working toward the same goal of ensuring maximum performance, safety, efficiency and durability. Though engine oil and coolant tends to steal the spotlight in maintenance-related articles, be sure to have your mechanic check the condition of your vehicle’s important brake fluid, steering fluid, transmission fluid and differential fluid. Fresh fluids are key to powertrain longevity and can also combat overheating, wear, or component failure.

Cooling system performance: Your engine and your passengers will both be feeling the heat this summer — and two systems will be pushed to their limits as a result.

First up? Your engine’s cooling system. Working properly, it’ll prevent damage, overheating or other heat-related issues that are likely on extended trips in hot weather in a heavily loaded vehicle. Your mechanic can check the cooling system’s fluid, radiator, hoses, belts and pump in a few minutes for a clean bill of health.

Next? The air conditioning (AC) system. Like the engine’s cooling system, air conditioning works overtime in the summer to keep things cool inside your ride. Overheated passengers won’t cause costly repairs like an overheated engine, but they’re equally as unpleasant. Thankfully, an AC system check is quick and painless, but can identify any faulty components, leaks, electronic problems or other issues that may lead to failure on the hottest day of the summer.

Maximum safety: With your ride on the hoist, your mechanic can check the condition of your vehicle’s tires, braking system components, suspension components and steering system for signs of excessive wear, dangerous fluid leaks or other issues that could compromise your vehicle’s ability to stop, steer or handle the way it’s intended. With an expert eye, problems can be identified while they’re small — ideally before they become serious and dangerous.